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PENNSYLVANIA MENTAL HEALTH CONSUMERS' ASSOCIATION

Advocate * Educate * Promote Recovery

Trauma 101


Alongside the advocacy work we do, PMHCA has a selection of trainings that are outstanding. There are trainings for mental health professionals, peer professionals, and anyone who wants to learn more about mental health and recovery. We pride ourselves in the creation of a learning environment that is safe, comfortable, and effective. For most trainings offered, there is an in person, virtual, or hybrid ability. If you have questions about listed trainings or are interested in scheduling, please email pmhca@pmhca.org.

Trauma 101

Trauma 101 is an overview of Trauma-Informed Care. Research shows that 67% of the population has experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience. These trauma-based adversities are predictive of a multitude of toxic physical, mental and social outcomes throughout a person’s lifetime. As a society and as individuals, we need to be better informed and prepared to prevent and address the traumatic impact of childhood adversities. In this multi-media, interactive workshop, professionals work together to build a powerful image that helps them appreciate the complex nature of trauma and its aftermath. Certification is provided.

Learning Objectives:

  • Gain basic overview of trauma, brain basics
  • Gain basic overview of triggers and trauma responses
  • Understand complex nature of trauma and how it can affect us

Time: 2 hours

Number of People: 25



There are many other ways to categorize and describe traumatic events. The following are just a few examples of different types of trauma:

  • Complex Trauma – this the pervasive impact of being exposed to multiple, simultaneous, or prolonged traumatic stress. Examples can include repeat incidences of abuse or multiple deployments of military personnel to a war zone.
  • Secondary or Vicarious Trauma – this trauma appears when an individual experiences trauma-related symptoms in response to helping or empathizing with others who have experienced traumatic events. This is common among helping professions who may repeatedly hear about or witness traumatic events happening to clients.
  • Historical Trauma - this is known as generational trauma and also refers to traumatic events experienced by specific cultural or ethnic groups. Historical trauma can have an effect on populations throughout generations, resulting in individuals being hesitant to enter systems of care that have historically oppressed these populations. Examples include the forced migration and colonization of Native Americans, the internment of Japanese individuals during WWII, and the enslavement and oppression of African Americans.
  • Racial/Ethnic Trauma – this type of trauma results from race- or ethnicity-related experiences that involve discrimination, prejudice, or racism. Examples of racial/ethnic trauma can range from interpersonal interactions to systemic oppression.
  • Minority Stress – similar to racial/ethnic trauma, minority stress involves chronic levels of stress faced by members of stigmatized minority groups. One example of minority stress includes members of the LGBTQ+ community experiencing discrimination or violence in response to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.




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Office Phone: 717.221.1022



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